Siena Catholic Primary School is administered by Brisbane Catholic Education and their Policy Statement (June 2004) for Enrolment of Students in Catholic Schools is as follows:
“Catholic schools in the Archdiocese give priority in enrolment to students who are baptised Catholics. Schools may also enrol students from other faith traditions whose families demonstrate that they share in the expressed values of the school. In such instances schools embrace church teachings regarding respect for the faith journey of individuals within the religious dimension of school life.
The process of enrolment is to be guided by principles of justice and equity that support Catholic ethos and vision.”
RATIONALE
An enrolment policy exists to assist in developing expectations at the point of inquiry and entry. Guiding principles are set to assist the Principal with demands placed on places available in the school. Brisbane Catholic Education policies, regulations and guidelines are followed at a school level.
Applicants will be considered as follows:
1. Priority for an enrolment interview is given in the following order to –
- the brother or sister of a student currently/previously enrolled at Siena
- baptised Catholic students
- non-Catholic students
2. When the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available, the following will be considered –
- Church/faith commitment (you may be invited to complete a form through which the applicant’s and family’s Church / faith commitment can be outlined and parish registration verified – this also applies to members of a non-Catholic faith community).
- Previous commitment to Catholic primary
- Proximity to the school
- Parental expectations
- Student’s attitude to learning and his/her academic progress to date
- Willingness to share in the expressed values of the school
- Other relevant factors
3. Students likely to require special provisions (e.g. special resources and/or a modified program and/or teacher-aide support) will be considered in accordance with the procedures defined in the Students with Special Educational Needs handbook (Brisbane Catholic Education).
4. Children enrolling need to meet the required age requirements for entry:
- Prep: Children enrolling for Prep Year must turn 5 by 30 June in the year they will complete Prep.
- Year 1 – 6: children will be placed in age appropriate classes according to Queensland age requirements with consideration given to aligning their years of schooling.
5. Enrolment at Siena Catholic Primary School does not guarantee enrolment at Siena Catholic College. A new application needs to be lodged the year before commencing at Siena Catholic College.
6. Enrolment at the Primary School is at the discretion of the principal.